Abstract: A thrust control system for fluid handling rotary machines, such as turbo expanders equipped with a magnetic thrust bearing, includes a magnetic thrust control circuit for providing a thrust signal which is a measure of the magnitude and direction of the thrust force on the thrust bearing. The rotor and stator of the machine have generally axially opposed thrust areas separated by a thrust cavity. Valves are connected between the thrust cavity and high and low pressure fluid sources. A controller, responsive to the thrust signal, controls the valves to selectively conduct fluid between the cavity and the high and low pressure sources to increase or decrease the fluid pressure in the cavity to minimize variations of the thrust force from a preset value which could be zero, for example.

Abstract: A vane pump particularly adapted for pumping cryogenic liquids has a plurality of vanes, each of which comprises a composite of at least two vane plates mounted in slots of a rotor of the pump, and sealingly pressed toward one another by the pressure differential existing on the opposite sides of the vanes, while the vanes are under pumping load. Each plate of the vanes comprises at least two parts which are mounted to one another and incorporate a biasing device, such as a spring, which urges the parts away from one another in a direction substantially parallel with the rotational axis of the rotor, and into sealing relationship with the end walls of a stator chamber in which the rotor is rotating. As an additional feature, the interior surface of the stator chamber, has a circular cross section in the area where the vanes move under a pumping load.

Abstract: A cryogenic deflashing apparatus includes a plurality of serially oriented work stations and a conveyor for transporting articles to be deflashed past each of the stations. The work stations include (1) a prechill station connected to vapor compression refrigeration system to lower the temperature below ambient (2) a chill station connected to a cryogenic refrigeration system in which a cryogenic refrigerant such as liquid nitrogen is introduced into a closed coil adjacent the station for cooling the residual flash on the article to the embrittlement point while maintaining an atmosphere of air at the station and delivering the vaporized cryogen for use in other processes and (3) a deflashing station in which a blasting media such as plastic pellets are propelled against the article to remove the flash. An article carrying open mesh basket is also provided on the conveyor for orienting the article in a preselected attitude with respect to the blasting media pattern.

Abstract: A blast media transport and throwing wheel apparatus includes a throwing wheel in the form of a straight vane centrifugal fan with a conically shaped axial opening therein for receiving the blast media (e.g. pellets) to be propelled against molded article to be deflashed. A shroud surrounds the throwing wheel and includes an entrance opening aligned with the axial opening and an exit opening through which the media is propelled. A feed cage is mounted on the shroud and extends into the axial opening and a feed tube connects the feed cage with a hopper containing a static quantity of the media. The feed cage includes a passageway for directing the media into the throwing wheel on one side of the rotational axis thereof.

Abstract: A high speed turbogenerator functionally combining, in one machine, an electrical generator and an expansion turbine. The electrical generator itself has a shaft supported on two bearings and the expansion turbine comprises an expander wheel overhung on the generator shaft and which rotates as a high pressure gas is let down in the expansion turbine to a lower pressure at a minimum predetermined flow rate and pressure drop. The shaft operates at speeds of about 6,000 rpm to 32,000 rpm, preferably at the higher end of such range, i.e. 20,000 to 24,000 rpm. The unit is sufficiently compact that a new use for the electrical generator is to modify the same such that the entire high speed turbogenerator is contained within the conduit carrying the gas to be let down in pressure and only electrical wires need be led through the conduit. The integrity of the conduit is thus retained to the extent possible and only a high pressure cable fitting extends through the conduit.